Each storm, the empty nest gets easier

When they arrived home, they fit right back into our empty nest life, just like they hadn’t been gone at all.  It was like a quick summer storm of anticipation building and then a flood of emotional fun roaring through our house.  The laughter, the stories, the munchies, the games, and the puzzles were shared.

And hugs…lots of hugs…

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Sarah Mae:  “It’s so Hygge!”

Me:  “Yes, it is – yes, it is!”

Sure, when they come back home they don’t have their own “room” to go to, but they know where to go, where to put their stuff, and of course, they know to bring their own necessities along with their appetites.  They pack lightly so they can take leftovers of Dad’s home cooking home with them.  It wouldn’t be a visit home if they didn’t get to take leftovers.

We played Farkle, had snacks and drinks at the bar, and stayed up way past our bedtime.  As we all retired for the night, they headed to the basement where they were excited to share an air mattress just like they did at the many sleepovers they had with friends as they were growing up.

After they left, I checked the room to see if they had forgotten anything.  Nope, they did put the mattress away but left the bedding for me to wash.  As it should be, right?

There was a dark empty feeling growing in me after they left.  I tried to go outside, but it was too hot and a storm was coming in.  I sat inside and watched out the window as it rained.

The weather hadn’t been the nicest while they were here, so we didn’t get to spend much time outside.  Maybe next visit…yes…there’s always, next visit.  Something to look forward to.  I can’t wait to see how much they’ve grown again.

Me:  “Are you as exhausted as I am?  This mini-vacation thing is exhausting, I’m so tired.  It was so fun to have the girls here, and my family, and your family, but…man, I’m spent.”

Mr:  “Yep, I’m spent too.”

Me:  “Do you think the girls are as tired as we are?  Or that they’re glad to be back to their own homes?”

Mr:  “I’m sure they feel the same – it’s good to come home for a visit, but they’ve got their own lives they enjoy living and being with family is tiring.”

Me:  “Plus I’m guessing the guys are enjoying the leftovers you sent!”

Mr:  “Yep, I’m sure they are.”

The feelings subsided as we got back into our normal routine of consoling the dog who hates storms.  And, we got texts from both girls saying they’d arrived back to their respective homes.  All was well in our empty nest world.

I’m convinced that it is possible to not feel so melancholy after a visit from our kids come back to our nest.  The anticipation grew as we prepared for their arrival.

And, it was so exciting and uplifting to have them here.

But as they departed, I sighed a little as I smiled, and waved to them as they pulled out of the driveway.  My, oh my, how proud we are of how grown-up they are.

And…it is no wonder where I get my quirkiness from…